L345 Questions

[North Idaho Wolfman]

From what I'm reading, the decompression knob has two functions:
One is to relieve cylinder compression at starting which will get oil moving through the engine and reduce wear, particularly with cold starts.
Decompression sounds like it's done in coordination (? opposition?) with glow plug activation to get the engine started.
The other is to relieve cylinder compression at shutdown so cylinder ignition and therefore the engine, will stop.
Is that right?
I have no experience with diesel mechanics, so I'm trying to understand what's going on, then start my tractor in real life.

DO NOT use the decompression to stop the engine, there is a fuel stop lever for that.
Using the decompression control while running can damage valves.

Kubota engines have no oil pressure or delivery issues so the decompression for that is a waste of time.

The decompression control on these engines was to make up for weak batteries of the time.
Newer high CCA batteries eliminate the need for decompression.

If you want to use it, make sure stop lever is not pulled, lower right of the dash.
Glow till glow plug indicator glows, then pull decompression Knob and and crank release decompression control when spinning at speed.

FYI: The glow plugs also heat when you are cranking the engine.

 

[Larry Oregon]

If I understand, there's really no need to use the decompression control, either for starting or especially for stopping.
Is that right?
However if my battery is weak, I can use the decompression knob for starting.
If I do, make sure the fuel stop lever is not pulled.
Is the right sequence--
Clutch and brakes pressed.
Open the fuel stop lever.
Turn the ignition on to energize the glow plugs.
When the glow plug light on the dashboard lights up, (pull the decompression knob-- optional), then turn the key further to energize the starter.
Then when the engine is turning from energizing the starter, the engine should start.
(If pulled, push the decompression knob in to create the compression in the cylinders while the engine is turning over so the engine will start.)
Use the fuel stop lever to shut down the engine.
Does that all sound right?
Thanks very much in advance.
I'm a real newbie. I really like this tractor, and got it a few years ago, but it's been parked because I've not been able to get to it due to some health problems.
I don't want to do anything to hurt it, and I want to use it.
I even got a ROPS system for it, also need to install it.
Thanks again.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If I understand, there's really no need to use the decompression control, either for starting or especially for stopping.
Is that right?
However if my battery is weak, I can use the decompression knob for starting.
If I do, make sure the fuel stop lever is not pulled.
Is the right sequence--
Clutch and brakes pressed.
Open the fuel stop lever.
Turn the ignition on to energize the glow plugs.
When the glow plug light on the dashboard lights up, (pull the decompression knob-- optional), then turn the key further to energize the starter.
Then when the engine is turning from energizing the starter, the engine should start.
(If pulled, push the decompression knob in to create the compression in the cylinders while the engine is turning over so the engine will start.)
Use the fuel stop lever to shut down the engine.
Does that all sound right?
Thanks very much in advance.
I'm a real newbie. I really like this tractor, and got it a few years ago, but it's been parked because I've not been able to get to it due to some health problems.
I don't want to do anything to hurt it, and I want to use it.
I even got a ROPS system for it, also need to install it.
Thanks again.

Yes you got it.

Oh and if no one has ever said it, do not run it out of fuel, if you do it's a pain to get it back to running!

 

[D2Cat]

The decompression release allows the engine to turn over faster (because of lac of compression). The engine spinning faster generates heat which helps the engine start easier.

In extreme cold weather you can use the decompression for short periods (15-20 seconds), then close the decompression as the engine is turning over and it should start. Experiment with times and see what works best for you.

 

[Russell King]

@Larry Oregon I am curious about some of your statements in your starting sequence.

1) Does the L345 just have a key switch and no separate starter switch (glow plugs also)?

2) Do you have a hand throttle and a foot throttle on your tractor that both control the engine speed?

3) How do you stop your engine to shut it off? Is it a pull knob or a lever that you hold up with your hand/finger?

My L185 starts much easier (faster) using the decompression knob every time to spin it up to speed and then pushing it in to start the engine. But I can start it without using the decompression knob.